Baldwin july14 dm

COOPERATIVE TAXCREDIT CREDIT TO BE WITH MEMBERS (PAGE 5) COOPERATIVE CONQUERING TAX THE CAPITAL: TO BESHARED YOUTH SHARED TOUR WITH STYLE MEMBERS (PAGE (PAGE 5) 5) JULY 2014 • POWERING YOUR COMMUNITY

Baldwin Electric Membership CORPORATION

Happy Summer! www.baldwinemc.com

For Which It Stands (Page 6)

2 JULY 2014

www.alabamaliving.coop

P.O. BOX 220 SUMMERDALE AL 36580 (251) 989-6247 WWW.BALDWINEMC.COM ALABAMA LIVING is delivered to some 420,000 Alabama families and businesses, which are members of 22 not-for-profit, consumer-owned, locally directed and taxpaying electric cooperatives. AREA cooperative member subscriptions are $3 a year; non-member subscriptions, $6.

Alabama Living (USPS 029-920) is published monthly by the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives.

Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and at additional mailing office.

POSTMASTER send forms 3579 to: Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, Alabama 36124-4014.

ALABAMA RURAL ELECTRIC ASSOCIATION

AREA PRESIDENT Fred Braswell EDITOR Lenore Vickrey MANAGING EDITOR Melissa Henninger CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mark Stephenson ART DIRECTOR Michael Cornelison ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Jacob Johnson ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Brooke Davis RECIPE EDITOR Mary Tyler Spivey

VOL. 67 NO. 7 JULY 2014

LIVING

6 For Which It Stands

For many, the flags that stand tall over the offices of Baldwin EMC are landmarks throughout Baldwin County. For the cooperative, it's a symbol of how a nation can rise from tragedy.

ON THE COVER: They've got their blanket, their corn and their American flags. Two-year-old twins Kate and Owen Gipson are ready for a July 4th picnic.

16 Seeds and memories Alabama plants of days gone by are being preserved for future generations, thanks to some dedicated ladies in Sand Mountain.

PHOTO BY: MICHELLE RICARD GEANS

26 BBQ with Elvis

There’s more than just delicious barbecued chicken and pork to enjoy when you visit Bubba’s BBQ in Evergreen. Just ask Elvis and Marilyn and their table buddies.

INTERN Jordan Pittman ADVERTISING & EDITORIAL OFFICES:

340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, Alabama 36117-6031 1-800-410-2737 E-mail: advertising@areapower.com www.areapower.coop

When you see this symbol, it means there’s more content online at www.alabamaliving.coop!

Videos, expanded stories and more!

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE:

National Country Market 611 South Congress Ave., Suite 504 Austin, Texas 78704 1-800-626-1181 www.nationalcountrymarket.com www.alabamaliving.coop USPS 029-920 • ISSN 1047-0311

DEPARTMENTS 9 26 30 33 34

Spotlight Worth the Drive Outdoors Fish & Game Forecast Cook of the Month

Printed in America from American materials

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 3

BALDWIN ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION Board of Trustees

FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

There IS a Cure for the Summertime Blues

Peggy Vanover Barnes President District 6

Tommie Werneth Vice President District 4

Jimmy LaFoy Secretary/Treasurer District 7

Chad Grace District 1

Joe Coleman District 2

Aubury Fuller District 3

Robert Kaiser District 5

E.A. “Bucky” Jakins, Jr. Chief Executive Officer, Baldwin EMC

W

ere you as happy for summer to get here as I was? After a historically brutal winter, even sweltering 90 degree temperatures have been welcomed. It’s the time of year when Baldwin County’s residents enjoy their swimming pools, beach trips and cookouts.

It’s also the time of year when we see power use increase. As temperatures rise, we rely on our air conditioners almost nonstop to keep us comfortable. Pool pumps are running every day. Kids are home from school enjoying their electronic devices – all these factors probably weren’t present during fall and winter. They can really add up during summer.

We can take electricity for granted. You can’t see it, and unless you’re outside staring at your meter, you might not realize how much of it you’re using.

But every flip of a Want to light switch, every keep a close television show and eye on your every degree on the power use thermostat is part of this summer? the total calculation Download the that determines how Baldwin EMC much your bill is app for your each month. smart phone

Chief Executive Officer E.A. “Bucky” Jakins, Jr.

4 JULY 2014

Those lights, air or tablet. conditioners and televisions are some of the comforts we're lucky enough to enjoy. And most of us wouldn't want to trade them just for the sake of a lower electric bill. Fortunately, simply using them a little bit differently can help lower our

costs so we don't have to do without our modern conveniences.

If you remember simple things, like turning off lights whenever you are leaving a room, you can avoid high summertime power bills.

If several members of your family are watching the same show in different rooms, maybe they can come together so only one television is being used. If your kids or grandkids are outside enjoying the swimming pool or running through the sprinkler, you can probably give your air conditioner a break. They'll most likely come in dripping wet anyway - no need to freeze them!

These are just a few of the ways you can keep your power bill from increasing in the summer.

There are plenty more to be found on our website, www.baldwinemc.com.

Maybe my advice here confuses you. If Baldwin EMC is in t he business of selling electricity, why would I encourage you to use less of it? To put it simply: it's because you're a member. That means we're not interested in using your dollars to make a profit for Baldwin EMC. We're here to provide a service you need for the lowest possible cost.

We know your budget is important to you, so it's also important to us. A

www.alabamaliving.coop

Baldwin EMC Briefs

Cooperative Tax Credit to be Shared with Members If you were a member in 2012, a credit is coming your way.

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our money works differently at Baldwin EMC. Because we're a co-op, your dollars aren't working to make a profit for someone else, but to provide a service you need.

That's why we give back to our members any money we collect that is more than our business expenses.

Baldwin EMC has received a tax credit for utility taxes paid on electric bills in 2012.

Instead of returning these funds to our members over time, your board of trustees has decided to give a credit on electric bills.

If you were a member at any point during 2012, you will be receiving a portion

of the funds. If you are still a member, it will come to you in the form of a credit on either your July or August electric bill.

Those who were members in 2012 but aren't currently members will receive a check in the mail.

The amount you receive will be based on the amount you paid Baldwin EMC last year.

Tax credits such as this are unique to cooperatives, which makes them a unique benefit of being a cooperative member.

If you have any questions about the tax credit refunds, please contact Baldwin EMC by calling (251) 989-6247. A

In observance of Independence Day, all Baldwin EMC offices will be closed Friday, July 4. Our control center will be staffed and line crews will be on call around the clock in case of an outage or other emergency.

Baldwin EMC Says Goodbye to One of its Own In Memory: Herman Schimmelfennig, Baldwin EMC Right of Way Technician 1954 - 2014 Herman Schimmelfennig, a Baldwin EMC employee for the past 20 years, died on May 21, 2014. Herman was a member of Baldwin EMC's Right of Way crew, a position he had held since 1994.

He was a native of Hawaii, and served 13 years in the United States Army before settling down in Baldwin County and coming to work for Baldwin EMC. Herman was a loving husband to his wife Sandra, a loving father to his son Kalani and daughter Lelani, and a grandfather of two.

In addition to his dedication to his job, Herman's friendly, kind-hearted nature will be sadly missed by his Baldwin EMC family. A

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 5

News You Can Use

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60-foot wide symbol of patriotism flies over the Baldwin EMC headquarters in Summerdale. For passers-by traveling north and south on Highway 59 through Baldwin County, it’s a landmark that’s not to be missed. For the employees of Baldwin EMC, it’s a reminder of how a nation can work together to bounce back from a tragedy.

The American flag at Baldwin EMC’s Summerdale office was installed in 2002 in recognition of the one year anniversary of the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001. Many elected officials, first responders and local ROTC students gathered for a special ceremony to commemorate the flag’s first raising. Not long afterwards, American flags were installed at Baldwin EMC’s branch offices in Bay Minette and Gulf Shores. When the co-op relocated its South Baldwin office to Orange Beach, a flag pole was among the first additions to the new facility.

“We know our members and people from the surrounding community notice the flag and appreciate it,” says Karen Moore, Baldwin EMC’s vice president of energy services and public

For Which It Stands

For many, it's a landmark in Baldwin County. For Baldwin EMC, it's a symbol of a nation's rise from tragedy. relations. “We get many comments about it from people who look for it every time they pass our way.”

Moore says the community also keeps the co-op in line when it comes to the treatment of the flag. “There are a lot of times when people will call us or come in to the office and ask if the flag should be out in certain weather or after sunset. We always assure them the flag is weather-proof and that we're following all the federal protocols for how we display it."

In the 12 years Baldwin EMC's American flag has stood proudly over the cooperative, Moore says many locals have come to consider it their own. "It doesn't just belong to us. It belongs to everyone in this community who believes in what it stands for." A

6 JULY 2014

www.alabamaliving.coop

News You Can Use

Flag Facts

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The American flag at Baldwin EMC's Summerdale office is 30 feet high (not including the flag pole) and 50 feet wide, making it one of the biggest in Baldwin County.

•

The flag is made of a weather-resistant fabric, meaning it can withstand rain.

•

In addition to being large, it's also quite heavy! It typically takes several people to raise and lower the flag properly.

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Despite its size, the flag never touches the ground, even when it's lowered to half-staff.

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Federal guidelines say American flags should only be displayed from sunrise to sunset unless they are illuminated in darkness like Baldwin EMC's flags are.

Baldwin EMC Notice of Election Process At the annual meeting of the members of Baldwin County Electric Membership Corporation, the membership will elect trustees for Districts five and seven. Any qualified member who seeks nomination to the board of trustees may do so according to the procedures outlined in this notice.

Pursuant to the bylaws of Baldwin County Electric Membership Corporation, Article IV, Section 3, the committee for nominations shall meet at the Cooperative’s headquarters not more than 84 days and not less than 77 days prior to the meeting of the members.

Members who seek nomination to the board shall submit to the Cooperative, not less than seven (7) days prior to the meeting of the nominating committee, an application for board nomination (in such form as the Cooperative shall require) together with such other materials as are necessary to substantiate the member’s status as a bona fide resident of the district which the member seeks to represent in accordance with Article IV, Section 2 of the bylaws. Such date and time of the meeting of the committee shall be published at least 14 days prior to the meeting of the committee. Such publication shall be made by publishing such notice in the Alabama Living magazine or, in the discretion of the board, by delivery of such notice to the members by United States mail, by electronic mail, by posting such notice on the Cooperative’s website, or by placing a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation published in Baldwin County and Monroe County, Alabama.

Alabama Living

The committee shall elect its chairperson and review prospective nominees. The committee then may nominate at least one trustee from each district of the Cooperative from which a trustee must be elected to that office as the same then exists. All members seeking nomination to the board of trustees must be physically present at the meeting of the nominating committee in order to be eligible for nomination to the board of trustees. All nominees selected by the committee must satisfy the eligibility requirements set forth in the bylaws for trustees. Nominations are at the discretion of the committee, and the committee is not required to nominate all eligible prospective nominees. The nominating committee shall have the authority to suspend and reconvene the nominating committee meeting in order to evaluate the qualifications of those members seeking nomination to the board.

Any prospective nominee satisfying the trustee eligibility requirements set forth in the bylaws who was considered by the nominating committee and not nominated may submit to the Secretary, during the regular office hours of the Cooperative and not more than 14 days after the meeting of the nominating committee, a written petition for nomination signed by not less than 25 members of the Cooperative as of the record date for the annual meeting of the members. The petition must be on an official form adopted by the board of trustees and available from the Cooperative. No petition will be considered on any form other than the petition form officially adopted by the board of trustees. Each member’s signature appearing

on a petition for nomination must be dated and accompanied by the member’s address.

The petition may contain only one signature from any joint membership. It shall be the duty of the board of trustees or its designee to verify the accuracy and authenticity of the signatures affixed to the petition. If the board of trustees or its designee determines that any such prospective nominee satisfies the eligibility requirements and that the submitted petition is properly signed and dated by the required number of members and that each signature is genuine and belongs to a member in good standing as of the record date, the individual submitting such petition shall become a nominee for trustee.

The Secretary shall publish a list of all nominees by trustee district and shall specify which nominees were nominated by the committee and which by petition, if any. Such publication shall be made in the last publication of the Alabama Living magazine prior to the annual meeting or, in the discretion of the board, by United States mail, by electronic mail, by posting such list on the Cooperative’s website, or by placing a legal notice in a newspaper of general circulation published in Baldwin County and Monroe County, Alabama. If the board should elect to provide notice of the list of nominees by a method other than by publication in the Alabama Living magazine, such notice shall be made not later than 14 days prior to the date of the annual meeting.

The ballots for voting on trustees shall likewise specify which nominees were nominated by the committee and which by petition, if any. A JULY 2014 7

Members Matter: The Spotlight's on You Changing the Community a Little Bit at a Time Member Spotlight: Grant Brown Gulf Shores, Alabama

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transplant to the gulf from Duluth, Minn. Grant Brown loves the city he has called home since 1991. In fact, his love for Gulf Shores prompted him to take a job as the city's recreational and cultural affairs director and public information officer. His work involves helping manage the city's special events, programs, facilities, parks and recreation. He also coordinates media relations for the city, among several other tasks.

That sounds like a lot of work for one person. Luckily, Brown says he's got a great team of managers that oversee the various departmental responsibilities. His job, he says, is to make sure they're happy and staying on the same track. Although, he would hardly call his a job at all. "I love what I do, but I don't look at it as a job. Every day I come to work is fun."

Brown was first exposed to Gulf Shores as a young man. His grandfather built a house in the area in 1979 and used it as a winter residence. His parents later bought the house and Brown moved into it full time in 1991. Before taking

8 JULY 2014

his job with the city of Gulf Shores in 2009, he worked for more than a decade as a golf pro.

His work in the golfing world introduced him to the lady that would become his wife. The two met in Minnesota during a golf tournament in 1979. "She was playing...and I had to come over and make a ruling about one of her shots." Brown says even though he didn't rule in her favor, he eventually won her heart.

MEMBER FOCUSED

Why Your Co-op Matters

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hen you hear the word “co-op,” what comes to mind? We hope you think of your friends here at Baldwin EMC, but maybe you think of a local farmers’ co-op or a credit union. You might be surprised to learn that co-ops, or cooperatives, can be found in many industries—and they offer a variety of services, each designed to serve their members in the best way possible.

A cooperative is a not-for-profit organization owned by its members. Across the globe, cooperatives remain steadfast, annually generating more than $500 billion in revenue and providing more than 2 million jobs.

The Browns have one daughter, who will start her junior year of high school this fall. Family time for the trio is very important.

When they're not "chasing her around" basketball, volleyball and softball games, Brown says they do a lot of outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing and camping.

As a member of Baldwin EMC, you have a voice - in other words, you’re not just a customer.

Every year, you have the right to vote for the cooperative's board of directors.

"Small town, big beach," is the new slogan for the city of Gulf Shores. But it's also the reason why Brown says he loves the city. "It's more than just a place to live. It's really a community.

It's safe, comfortable and clean.

And it's a great place to raise kids in a great environment. A

So what other kinds of co-ops are out there?

Co-ops fall under a variety of categories and services, including agriculture and forestry; consumer and retail; banking and credit unions; health and wellness; and utilities, to name a few.

Baldwin EMC strengthens our community by supporting economic development. As our service area grows, our distribution system grows, which makes it easy to see why strengthening the local economy makes sound business sense.

At Baldwin EMC, our mission is to provide you with safe, reliable, and affordable electricity.

You're a member and we care about your needs. A

www.alabamaliving.coop

Spot Light

In July

JULY 16

‘Mockingbird’ workshop will share stories of Monroeville On Wednesday, July 16, the Monroe County Heritage Museum will host its annual program, “Scenes and Stories of Monroeville: A ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Workshop” in the Old Courthouse Museum at 31 N. Alabama Ave. from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. In “Part 1: Growing up with Harper Lee,” the famous author’s classmates and acquaintances will share stories and photos of what Monroeville was like in the 1930s. In “Part 2: Race Relations in the 1930s,” a panel of Monroeville’s African-American citizens will discuss race relations from the 1930s to the present. Admission is free.

Seating is limited and pre-registration is recommended.

For more information or to pre-register, contact Wanda Green at mchm@frontiernet.net or 251-575-7433.

JULY 26

Landmark Park to host watermelon tasting On Saturday, July 26, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Landmark Park in Dothan will celebrate National Watermelon Month with a watermelon harvest and sampling of several watermelon

varieties. The educational program and the watermelon are free with paid gate admission, which is $4 for adults and $3 for kids. Call 334794-3452 or visit Kids enjoy watermelon at Landmark Park’s landmarkpark.com celebration of National Watermelon Month. for more information.

JULY 31-AUG. 3

Red Door brings ‘Promises’ to the stage The Red Door Theatre in Union Springs will stage “Promises,” a play by Alabama native Joel Williams, from July 31-Aug. 3. The play tells the story of Joseph, a 50-year-old man who sets out on a journey to fulfill a request made by his dying mother. Rated PG-13. Evening shows will run July 31-Aug. 2, with dinner at 6 p.m. and the play starting at 7:30 p.m. A matinee will be Aug. 3 at 2:30 p.m. Dinner is $15 and $15 admission for the play. For more information and tickets, call 334-738-8687, or visit www.reddoortheatre.org.

Battle of Mobile Bay recreated 150 years later Step back in time 150 years to witness the recreation of the Battle of Mobile Bay and Siege of Fort Morgan Aug. 1-3 at Fort Morgan in Gulf Shores.

“Our goal for the 150th Anniversary is to produce Alabama’s largest Civil War reenactment to date while educating the public through accurate living history demonstrations and having a family friendly event with food, music, and entertainment,” says Dr. Stephen McNair, director of historic sites with the Alabama Historical Commission.

Admission to the park during the weekend of the event will be: Friday after 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: $10 for a single day ticket, ages 6 and older; $20 for a three-day pass, ages 6

Alabama Living

This artist’s rendering of the Union siege lines ran in the August 1864 edition of Harpers Weekly.

and older; $30 for single day, family of four; $65 for a three-day pass, family of four.

Gates will open promptly at 8 a.m. each day and will remain open for the duration of each day’s activities.

Parking for the event will be located in the fields behind the Union siege lines.

Parking attendants will be on hand.

For a complete schedule of events, visit fortmorgan.org/150th/, or call 251-540-5257.

JULY 2014 9

Power Pack

Medicare is here to stay

By Kylle’ McKinney

Medicare went into effect 48 years ago on July 1, 1966. Earlier that same year, Medicare workers went door to door trying to get seniors to sign up.

Medicare was not the cornerstone then that it is today and people did not know whether it was going to work for the long haul.

Now, nearly half a century later, Medicare remains one of the most popular government programs in the nation.

We can’t see the future, but one thing’s for sure: Medicare is here to stay.

Medicare provides health insurance to more than 50 million Americans. Fortytwo million are people age 65 and older and the other 8 million are younger and have disabilities.

Most people first become eligible for Medicare at age 65.

The four parts of Medicare are parts A, B, C, and D. Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and home health care. Most people get Medicare Part A premium-free since it is earned by working and paying Social Security taxes.

Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover services from doctors and other outpatient health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services. Most people pay a monthly premium for Part B. In 2014, the premium for most people is $104.90, the same as it was in 2013. Some highincome individuals pay more than the standard premium. Your Medicare Part B premium also can be higher if you do not enroll when you are first eligible, also known as your initial enrollment period. There also is a Medicare Part B deductible of $147 in 2014.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) allows you to choose to receive all of your health care services through a provider organization. This plan includes all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B, usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage, and may include extra benefits and services at an extra cost. You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in Part C. Monthly premiums vary depending on your state, private insurer, and whether you select a health maintenance organization or a preferred provider organization.

Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost

of prescription drugs. Many people pay a premium for Part D. However, people with low income and resources may qualify for extra help from Social Security to pay the premium and deductible. To see if you qualify for extra help visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ prescriptionhelp.

Will you be age 65 soon? Even if you decide not to retire, you should consider applying for Medicare. You can apply in less than 10 minutes using our online Medicare application. Do it today at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.

To learn more about applying for Medicare when you plan to delay retirement, read our publication Applying For Medicare Only— Before You Decide, available at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs. A

Kylle’ McKinney, Alabama Social Security Public Affairs Specialist, can be reached in Montgomery at 866-593-0914, ext.

26265, or at kylle. mckinney@ssa.gov.

Alabama linemen honored at State Capitol

Dixie Electric Cooperative Manager Gary Harrison addresses crowd.

Alabama’s electric utility linemen were in the spotlight June 2 as the state celebrated its first official Alabama Lineman Appreciation Day. Linemen from eight of our electric cooperatives jonied with fellow linemen from 10 JULY 2014

Alabama Power Company and the state’s municipally owned utilities for a special event to recognize the contributions of linemen.

“When the lights go out, our linemen are the first responders,” said Michael Kelley, senior manager of safety and loss control for the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives. “They work with thousands of volts of electricity on power lines, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, often under dangerous conditions far from their families.”

In the last session of the Alabama Legislature, both houses designated

the first Monday in June as Alabama Lineman Appreciation Day. The joint resolution, HJR 244, was sponsored

by Rep. April Weaver of Alabaster, who took a special interest in the legislation because her grandfather was a lineman. Rep. Weaver spoke about her grandfather’s dedication to his job at the event, and was joined by state Sen. Cam Ward, State Emergency Management Agency Director Art Faulkner, Public Service Commissioner Jeremy Oden, and Dixie Electric Cooperative Manager Gary Harrison, who all thanked the linemen for their service. A www.alabamaliving.coop

Adjust your activities to avoid heat illnesses

Do you have a good understanding of how to prevent heat illnesses?

Heat-related illnesses occur when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. Heat illnesses can lead to death. According to the Center for Health Statistics of the Alabama Department of Public Health, the total number of heat-related deaths in Alabama in recent years ranged from 7 in the years 2012 and 2013 to 125 in the record-breaking heat wave of 1980.

Many Alabamians have become familiar with the heat index and have learned to anticipate how hot it will feel when the relative humidity is taken into account. The heat index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when the relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating is not enough and their body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Everyone needs to adjust their activities and be alert to the warnings that may signal help is needed.

Individuals with heart problems, poor circulation, diabetes, a previous stroke, or obesity are at greater risk of becoming sick in hot weather. The Alabama Living

risk of heat-related illness may increase among people using medications for high blood pressure, nervousness or depression.

Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heatrelated illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but include the following: • An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) • Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating) • Rapid, strong pulse • Throbbing headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Confusion • Unconsciousness First aid recommendations are to get the person to a shady area, cool rapidly in a tub of cool water, place in a cool shower, spray with cool water from a garden hose, or, if the humidity is low, place in a cool, wet sheet and fan vigorously. Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the person’s body temperature drops to 101 to 102 degrees F. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. A person with heat stroke is likely to be unconscious or unresponsive, so he or she cannot safely consume any liquids. Under no circumstances should you give any alcohol to a person with heat stroke or any heat illness.

In a typical Alabama summer, it’s wise to follow these preventive measures to avoid heat illnesses: • Drink more water, and avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine. Also avoid overly sugared beverages. Drink water even when you’re not thirsty.

• Limit the time you spend outdoors to the early morning and evening hours when the temperatures are cooler. This is the time to exercise or do other outdoor tasks such as gardening.

• When temperatures are extreme, stay indoors, ideally in an airconditioned place.

• Dress appropriately by wearing loose-fitting, well-ventilated, and thin clothing in light colors. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

• Take a cool shower or bath, and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day.

• Check on elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends.

• Never leave pets or people in parked vehicles.

• Make sure pets have plenty of water to drink and shade to cool off.

Information is also available at adph. org/injuryprevention/. A

Jim McVay, Dr.P.A., is director of the Bureau of Health Promotion and Chronic Disease of the Alabama Department of Public Health.

JULY 2014 11

Living History: Teaching the value of liberty at

The American Village

By Miriam Davis PHOTOS BY MARK STEPHENSON

By Miriam Davis

“We have a great blessing of liberty in our country, but it’s difficult to maintain a sense of ownership of the civic system.” – Tom Walker

12 JULY 2014

www.alabamaliving.coop

George W. Carver High School students from Birmingham participate in musket drill training.

“Make ready!”

“Aim!” “Fire!”

“BANG!”

What does it mean to be an American citizen?

It’s not the sound of real gunfire, but the shouting of 30 or so high school students who fumble with their musket standins – broomsticks – as they learn to drill and fire as part of the First Rhode Island Regiment.

The students are participating in a school program at the American Village Citizenship Trust. Established in 1999, the American Village is the brainchild of its founder and CEO Tom Walker. In the late 1980s, he developed the idea of a place where young people, as well as the general public, could cultivate a sense of ownership of their government by learning about citizenship and patriotism.

Walker, a self-described “history and political junkie,” says, “We have a great blessing of liberty in our country, but it’s difficult to maintain a sense of ownership of the civic system.” He thought that people needed reminding of “who we are and the things we believe in, of our shared values, and our shared experiences.

“We’re in an era in which we do a great job defining how we’re different from one another,” says Walker, “But it’s the idea of liberty that has always united us. When the national soul is contested as after 9/11, you see Americans coming together and reminding ourselves how valuable liberty is and remembering our kinship with one another.”

For young Americans, history need not be dry, dusty facts. “Young people respond to authentic stories,” he says.

The American Village campus sits on 183 acres in the gently rolling green hills of central Alabama, just outside Montevallo. The atmosphere has a colonial feel. In fact, many of the buildings are replicas of actual historical buildings. The administrative offices are located in a replica of the house in Philadelphia used by Presidents Washington and Adams before the capital moved to Washington, D.C. The Lucille Ryals Thompson Chapel, where a community Thanksgiving service is held every year, was inspired by the Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg, Reenactor Al a church attended by Thomas Jefferson, Schaeffer strikes George Washington and Patrick Henry. a pose as George

Between 30,000 and 35,000 students come here each year, from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida. It’s not meant to be a museum, but living history, a place of ideas where visitors are made to think about “What does it mean to be an American citizen?”

The Village answers this question with dozens of different programs suitable for students of all ages. The programs consist of a collection of “vignettes” – episodes acted out by the costumed re-enactors called historical interpreters in which visitors often take part.

“Presidents’ Days” is designed for kindergarten through third grade. Kids play “Choose Your George,” a game show hosted by Martha Washington and Queen Charlotte of England in which participants cast their vote for who they’d rather have rule them: George Washington or King George III. Thankfully for the Republic, Washington usually wins.

The popular Thanksgiving program features Massasoit, or Yellow Feather, the chief of the Wampanoag who befriended the Pilgrims in Massachusetts. In the Colonial Christmas, children learn about how past presidents celebrated Christmas in the White House.

Teaching through hands-on participation

The centerpiece of the American Village’s educational programs is “Liberty,” which tells the story of how Americans gained their freedom from Great Britain. Participants get to stage a Stamp Act Rally, debate serious issues at a Constitutional Convention, enlist in the Continental Army, and take lessons in musket drill.

Today’s program is special. “Freedom Quest” was designed to honor Black History Month. The students are from George W. Carver High School in Birmingham, and are predominantly African-American. Their experience begins when they are transformed into a group of escaped slaves led by a rifletoting Harriet Tubman, played by Lesli Johnson. In an encounter with a slavecatcher, one of their numbers must read from the Bible to trick him into believing they are free blacks; it was illegal to teach a slave to read. When they successfully arrive “up North,” Johnson stays in character to address the group: “Slavery must collapse. Thus, the action you have taken to make yourself free is

Washington.

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 13

just one more nail in slavery’s coffin. Well done.”

Next, the students become part of the Continental Army of General Washington. Chris Long, portraying Christopher Green of the Continental Army, urges them to join the First Rhode Island Regiment: “If you are an Indian, a mulatto, an indentured servant or even a slave, you now have the right to join the Continental Army and fight for our freedom.” For the soldiers of the regiment, he makes clear, it’s not just about the freedom of the nation, it’s about their own personal freedom. That’s what leads to instruction on how to fire a musket. After a bit of drill, Long jumps forward in time to congratulate them on their

accomplishments during the war. He concludes by telling them that many of the Revolutionary soldiers, some of them AfricanAmerican, were teenagers just like themselves: “They marched, they fought, they bled; some died. They died in pain, far from home, to bring you your freedom.” The experience has the intended effect. One student says, “Now that I realize what they had to go through, I’ll value my life and my freedom more.”

The American Village is open to the public 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays for public tours. On patriotic holidays such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day, it really comes to life. It’s all “fun, food and fireworks,” says Melanie Poole, director of marketing and communications.

Visitors can wander through the campus watching the vignettes put on throughout the day. They can listen to Ben Frank-

A lawn view of American Village’s favorite Washington Hall.

Clockwise: The American Village’s newest attraction, the National Veterans Shrine; the Courthouse; interpreter Leslie Johnson portrays Phillis Wheatley, a former slave who became a renowned poet; reproduction of the Liberty Bell; a Concord Bridge replica is used for a reenactment of “the shot heard ‘round the world;” miniature dolls of the presidents and their wives were donated to the Village.

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lin read the Declaration of Independence, Patrick Henry give his famous “Give me Liberty or give me death” speech, or Abigail Adams talk about being the wife of one of the Founders. Reenactors fight the battle between Patriots and Redcoats at Concord Bridge.

Visitors can play 18th-century games, learn about proper Colonial etiquette, or observe costumed dancers at an Independence Ball in Liberty Hall. At dusk, the Montevallo Community Band plays a patriotic musical tribute while fireworks crackle overhead.

In February of this year, the National Veterans Shrine and Registry of Honor opened on the grounds of the American Village. According to Poole, it is dedicated “to those of every generation who’ve served and sacrificed for the American people.”

Its animating spirit is the idea that veterans are individuals, each one is someone’s son or daughter, each with a different story to

tell. The Registry of Honor is a website on which vets or their family members can register. They can give the branch and dates of service, and upload photos and videos. The registry produces an individual video for each vet so that at computer kiosks in the shrine, a short movie about the vet’s service is available.

As he left Independence Hall at the end of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked, “What have we got – a republic or a monarchy?”

“A republic,” Franklin is supposed to have replied. “If you can keep it.”

The job of the American Village is to see that we do. A Miriam C. Davis is a research associate in history at Delta State University.

Patrick Henry (interpreter William Stewart) gives his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.

Interpreters bring historical figures to life Historical interpreters at the American Village are the people who put the drama into history. “We have an extraordinary and passionate staff,” says Tom Walker.

“They have skill, knowledge and a commitment to conveying the nuances of their characters to the public.”

The job can be terrifying. A curious student might go off script and ask about a historical detail that the character would know. So the interpreters must constantly study both the period and their characters to be prepared.

William Stewart has a degree in theater from Birmingham-Southern College, with a minor in history. He also spent many years in the business world. This background ideally suited him for his job as the officer for interpretive programs.

As Patrick Henry, he gives one of the most famous orations in American history. But not only does Stewart infuse “Give me liberty or give me death” with the same revolutionary fire with which Henry delivered it, he also wants to make Alabama Living

sure the audience understands why it was given. Speaking at the Virginia Convention in March 1775, Henry was trying to convince the delegates to arm the colony. The resolution passed and war broke out a month later. Henry “was a very polarizing character,” says Stewart. “He was “charismatic. People either hated him or loved him.”

Lesli Johnson has been bringing Harriet Tubman and Phyllis Wheatley to life at the American Village for more than four years.

What is important about her portrayal of Tubman, most famous “conductor” on the Underground Railroad, is not just getting the facts correct, she says, but getting the story right. “I want them to gain a greater appreciation for people who did things that weren’t typical,” says the Samford University graduate. “I want them to understand that some people were faced with decisions that might get them killed.”

One of Rush Brunson’s most popular roles is that of Dr. Joseph Warren, a Boston physician and American spy.

PHOTO COURTESY AMERICAN VILLAGE

Brunson does a participatory vignette with schoolchildren in which they receive information from a secret informant. “The kids like it because it’s in the dark and we don’t know who it is,” laughs Brunson, also a theater graduate from Samford University. When the informant warns them that the Redcoats are going to seize the colonists’ gunpowder at Concord, they get to deliver a secret message to Paul Revere’s wife Rachel. “The kids have a lot of fun with that,” says Brunson.

None of the historical interpreters would be very convincing without the efforts of Nancy Moore, director of costuming. She makes many of the costumes herself, using historic patterns to make the clothes as authentic as possible. She learned to sew in high school and honed her skills working in the costume shop at Samford University while she was getting a theater degree.

“For the past 15 years I’ve just been doing it, making mistakes, and keep figuring it out.”

JULY 2014 15

Seed savers

By Gail Allyn Short

A passion for old-fashioned plants blossoms into effort to preserve heirloom produce and flowers Charlotte Hagood, left, holds a Zucchetta Rampicante squash and Dove Stackhouse cradles a Cucuzza squash, both grown from heirloom seeds

Hagood and Stackhouse say they have harvested, processed and catalogued close to 300 varieties of heirloom seeds from around Alabama, including seeds for heirloom tomatoes like the Jeff Davis, Cucuzza squash, Cherokee Trail of Tears beans, October beans and nearly 20 varieties of summer peas.

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Larkspur

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 17

Purple Coneflower is among the hundreds of varieties of flowers grown from heirloom seeds.

A

lbertville resident Charlotte Hagood says her obsession and shares heirloom seeds across the country. with heirloom plants began in 1976 when the newly “I became interested because I’m part Native American,” married, former journalist started a small flower garden Stackhouse says, “and I wanted a way to preserve my own food at her Birmingham home. and learn what the natives produced. I wanted to produce it from Seed sharing had always been a tradition in Albertville where my same seeds every year because whatever they grew, I knew she grew up, she says, and it was during a would be adapted to this country, especially visit back home when her mother’s next door this area, and that it would be the best tasting neighbor gave Hagood a packet of old-time and easiest to preserve.”

Larkspur seeds.

Heirlooms are species of vegetables, fruits “You couldn’t get this strain at the store,” and flowers that have been passed down says Hagood, “and it was the custom to get for several generations. They are the plants seeds from a neighbor and to save your seeds many Americans once grew and ate such as to plant the next year and share them if the Purple Hull Pink Eye and the Blue Goose anybody needed any.” cowpeas, Black Knight lima beans, Alabama Since then, Hagood’s passion for old Red okra, Old Virginia tomatoes and the fashioned plants has blossomed into an effort Early Flat Dutch cabbage, a vegetable that to preserve heirloom produce and flowers. was introduced in the United States in the late She and longtime friend Dove Stackhouse 1800s, according to the Southern Exposure and her husband, Russell Stackhouse, are Seed Exchange online catalogue. The book, the founders of the Sand Mountain Seed The Heirloom Life Gardener, states that more Charlotte Hagood holds cilantro Exchange, where since 2006 they have worked than 100,000 different kinds of heirlooms to perpetuate and share heirloom seeds that families around exist worldwide.

Alabama have passed down from generation to generation.

Heirloom flowers and produce are not commonly found in Stackhouse, who with her husband operates the 15-acre most stores and backyard gardens today. That is because many Whirlwind Farms in Geraldine, Ala., says she started saving large agribusiness companies have opted to breed hybrid and heirloom seeds back in the late 1980s after joining the Seed genetically modified plants. Hybrids and GMO plants generally Savers Exchange, a national, nonprofit organization that saves produce higher yields and are more durable so foods can be

18 JULY 2014

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packaged, shipped and stored on grocery shelves and in homes for longer periods of time. In addition, many seed companies no longer sell the old-time varieties, Hagood says.

Hagood and Dove Stackhouse say that before they met, they each became interested in finding and keeping heirloom seeds and began attending seed saving conferences. After meeting at one conference in 2000, Hagood says they struck up a friendship and started comparing their seed collections.

“Once [Dove] saw my seed collection in a couple of refrigerators that were packed with quart and pint jars full of seeds, she said, ‘you have more seed than you will ever be able to maintain yourself. So I’ll help you organize and start getting the seeds out into the community,’” Hagood says.

“The Sand Mountain Seed Bank was founded as a way to not just collect seeds and get stories about seeds, but to get them back out into the community so other people could grow them,” Hagood says.

Unt i l 2010, t he Sand Mountain Seed Exchange had a paid membership where Jars of heirloom seeds people could order heirloom seeds through the mail, Hagood says. Today, because of their schedules, Hagood and the Stackhouses mostly grow heirloom plants on their properties and trade the seeds at festivals and at seed exchanges around the state.

They also meticulously document their seed collections. So far, Hagood and Stackhouse say they have harvested, processed and catalogued close to 300 varieties of heirloom seeds from around Alabama, including seeds for heirloom tomatoes like the Jeff

Davis, Cucuzza squash, Cherokee Trail of Tears beans, October beans, which is an heirloom variety once commonly grown in the Appalachians, and nearly 20 varieties of summer peas.

Among the hardest heirloom seeds to find in their collection are the citron melon seeds, especially those from south Alabama, Stackhouse says.

“The citrons were the ones slaves often planted in the cotton rows to refresh themselves,” she says. “But now cotton is so heavily sprayed that they’re getting harder to find just growing wild out there.”

The process of harvesting and preserving heirloom seeds varies with each kind of plant, Stackhouse and Hagood say.

The seeds, however, have to be dried before being placed in Mason jars for storage in the refrigerators or freezers.

For every batch of seeds they receive or purchase, they write down the names of the seeds, the dates they obtained them and the names of the families that originally grew the plants.

Hagood and Stackhouse say they also record when they plant the heirloom seeds in their own gardens.

The work, says Hagood and Stackhouse, is the best way they know how to help protect, preserve and remember a part of Alabama’s agrarian history.

“It was a choice of either figuring out how to send it to the next generation or it dies,” says Stackhouse. “We couldn’t let it die.” A The Sand Mountain Seed Bank can be reached at whirlwindfarms4@gmail.com or you may call either Charlotte Hagood at 257-878-3039 or Dove Stackhouse at 256-486-4582.

Polecat peas (left) and Mattie Rembert Okra seeds (right).

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 19

Alabama Gardens

Soil smarts: building a strong garden foundation

S

ummer gardening is going full tilt this time of year, and just harvesting the fresh fruits and vegetables that are ripening or performing all those summer gardening chores is keeping gardeners plenty busy.

Among those chores is making sure plants are getting all the nutrients they need to be beautiful and productive. Vegetable gardens and lawns, in particular, may need an extra boost of nutrients to keep them growing and producing. But before you toss out any fertilizer, make sure it is truly necessary and that the one you choose contains the proper types and amounts of nutrients for your plants.

A good way to judge if your plants need an application of summer nutrients is to watch them for signs of fertility problems, such as stunted growth or leaves that are becoming pale, yellow, discolored, mottled or spotted. If you see any of these signs or notice issues such as blossom end rot in your tomatoes, you’ll likely need to add some extra nutrients to your soil.

Once you’re sure that your plants truly need that extra boost, pick a fertilizer that really fits your plants’ needs. Both organic and inorganic (synthetic) fertilizers are available—from commercially produced granular and liquid formulations to natural sources such as composted manure, fish emulsion and bone meal. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so do a little research or get some expert advice before you select one to use.

Regardless of the type you choose, be careful to avoid over-application of any form of fertilizer. This will save you money and help prevent runoff of excess fertilizer and nutrients into water supplies.

The very best way to know your soil’s fertility needs is to know your soil. One of

Katie Jackson is a freelance writer and editor based in Opelika, Alabama.

Contact her at katielamarjackson@ gmail.com.

20 JULY 2014

the best ways to find out what your soil may need is to get it tested. Soil tests are laboratory procedures that measure the presence and availability of vital plant nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium as well as other secondary and micronutrients.

The tests also measure other components or characteristics of soil, such as acidity (pH) and organic matter content.

The results of these tests will typically come with recommendations about what specific nutrients and amendments your soil may need, which is a great starting point for building better soils. With that knowledge in hand you can not only deal with any immediate problems, but you can also develop a long-range plan to continually improve your soil by adding organic matter, specific nutrients and nutrient-rich cover crops in the off season.

Though fall and early winter are considered ideal times to get a soil test, there’s nothing wrong with doing one now or at least spending some time figuring out which areas of your lawn and garden need to be tested later this year. And if you’re about to break ground on a new bed or garden area, it’s helpful to start off with a soil test so you’ll know just what it needs before you put in a single plant.

Soil test kits are available from local Alabama Cooperative Extension System offices or directly from the Auburn University Soil Testing Laboratory (www.aces.edu/anr/soillab/services.php). These kits contain directions for taking and shipping soil samples.

Follow the directions closely and make sure to fill out the entire test form, including information about the types of plants you intend to grow or already are growing in that area of your yard so the recommendations can be tailored specifically for those plants’ needs.

Of course fertilizer and soil are not the only factors that can make or break your lawn and garden this summer. Proper watering, weeding and pest management are also vital. For help with any or all of these issues, take advantage of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s many resources.

You can find a plethora of helpful infor-

mation by searching the Home and Garden section of Extension’s website at www.aces. edu. There you will find a wide range of publications such as Home Lawn Maintenance (www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR0239/index2.tmpl), The Alabama Vegetable Gardener (www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ ANR-0479/ANR-0479.pdf) and my favorite go-to publication for sustainable home landscapes, Alabama Smart Yards (www. aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1359/ANR1359.pdf).

If you’re not so Web savvy, call or stop by your local Extension office for advice or copies of publications or get expert advice tailored for your specific area of the state by calling the toll-free Master Gardener helpline at 1-877-252-GROW (4769). A

July Gardening Tips d Be on the lookout at garden centers for deals on earlier season plants or out of season tools and equipment. d Plant a cover crop in bare or unplanted areas of the vegetable garden. d Protect yourself from the sun and pests by wearing sunscreen, bug spray, a hat and a light-weight, longsleeved shirt. d Clean up fallen fruits under fruit trees and bushes so you won’t attract pests and promote possible disease problems. d Refresh mulch around shrubs, trees and in garden beds to help retain moisture in the soil, keep roots cooler and suppress weeds. d Plant heat-tolerant annual and perennial flowers. d Divide irises and other over-crowded perennials. d Remove (deadhead) fading flowers from annuals, perennials and summer-blooming lilies. d Water lawns, landscapes, container plants and vegetable gardens as needed. d Keep an eye out for insect and disease problems in the lawn, landscape, garden beds and on potted plants. d Keep birdbaths and hummingbird feeders filled with clean, fresh water or sugar solution, respectively.

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Alabama Living

JULY 2014 21

George Washington Carver’s legacy celebrated in newly renovated museum

By Marilyn Jones

I

t’s whisper quiet in the museum as I pull open large windowed doors to what used to be the campus laundry. The century-old brick building served Tuskegee Institute students and faculty in a utilitarian way for decades until, in 1941, it was turned into a museum to honor George Washington Carver; a memorial to what can be accomplished with intellect, imagination and integrity.

The museum was closed for several months while undergoing renovation by the National Parks Service and reopened this spring. It now features new exhibits, an accessible information desk, a new elevator and an expanded bookstore.

Although Dr. Carver was born in Diamond, Mo., he arrived in Tuskegee as a young man in his mid-30s and lived in this college community until his passing at the age of 78 in 1943. He brought international prestige to Alabama and Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University).

Booker T. Washington, principal of the institute, recruited the very best to teach at the school. Dr. Carver’s arrival in 1896 marked the beginning of decades of work that would help agriculture and form the basis of how Americans farm today.

The George Washington Carver Museum opened in 1941, two years before Dr. Carver passed away. PHOTO COURTESY NPS

Before Tuskegee

Museum displays illustrate the life of a sharecropper and how Dr. Carver’s innovations helped them use other crops besides cotton to make a better living.

PHOTOS BY MARILYN JONES

22 JULY 2014

Dr. Carver was born circa 1864. There are conflicting stories as to how young George and his brother James came to be raised by their former owners Moses and Susan Carver, but the childless couple took the boys in and raised them as their own after the Civil War. Unable to attend school because of their color, Mrs. Carver taught both boys how to read and write. Later young George moved throughout the Midwest seeking more education, finally enrolling at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, in 1890. There he majored in art, but a teacher convinced him to transfer to Iowa State College to study agriculture. By the time he completed a master’s degree in agriculture in 1896 — the year he accepted an offer to head the agricultural department at Tuskegee Institute — Dr. Carver had impressed the faculty as an extremely talented student in horticulture and mycology (the study of fungi).

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Exhibits tell the story

The museum addresses many chapters of Dr. Carver’s life and celebrates his achievements.

His research included methods of crop rotation and the development of alternative cash crops including peanuts, soy beans, sweet potatoes and pecans for farmers in areas heavily planted with cotton. This helped struggling sharecroppers, many of them former slaves, faced with harsh conditions including the devastating boll weevil. The development of new crops and diversification of crop use helped stabilize their livelihoods.

One of Dr. Carver’s innovations was the Jesup Wagon, a mobile classroom designed to bring his lessons to farmers. It was named after New York financier and Tuskegee donor Morris Ketchum Jesup. Carver also published bulletins and gave demonstrations on diverse subjects, including native clays for paints and increasing soil fertility without commercial fertilizers.

The scientist and teacher developed more than 300 uses for the peanut, more than 100 for the sweet potato and many others for the soy bean. The hundreds of products he invented included plastics, paints and dyes. Peanuts especially appealed to him as an inexpensive source of protein that did not deplete the soil as much as cotton did.

In 1920, Dr. Carver’s work with peanuts drew the attention of the Peanut Growers Association, attesting to the wide potential of peanuts. The following year, he testified before Congress in support of a tariff on imported peanuts. With the help of Dr. Carver’s testimony, the tariff was instituted in 1922.

On display are a Jesup wagon and a later motorized version; items from his laboratory; photographs and honors; and his artwork. The museum helps tell the story of Dr. Carver’s life and work as well as illustrate the situation farmers found themselves in after the Civil War.

A display tracing George Washington Carver’s steps.

PHOTOS COURTESY NPS

With the Jesup wagon, Dr. Carver could take the classroom to the farmers.

Dr. Carver’s later years

By the late 1920s Dr. Carver had stopped teaching, but he continued to advise peanut producers and other farmers. He was one of the most famous African-Americans of his time, and one of the best-known African-American intellectuals. By the time of his Congressional testimony Dr. Carver was known internationally in political and professional circles as well.

President Theodore Roosevelt sought his advice on agricultural matters.

In 1916 he was made a member of the British Royal Society of Arts — a rare honor for an American. Dr. Carver also advised Indian leader MaThe Jesup wagon evolved into a motorized version hatma Gandhi on matters of agriculture and nutrition. in the early 20th century. PHOTOS BY MARILYN JONES Dr. Carver used his celebrity to promote scientific causes and wrote a syndiDisplays include Dr. Carver’s cated newspaper column while touring the nation speaking on the importance laboratory, photos and honors. of agricultural innovation, the achievements and example of Tuskegee, and the possibilities for racial harmony in the United States.

Dr. Carver never married. He died on January 5, 1943 after falling down the stairs at his home and left his entire life savings to the museum and the George Washington Carver Foundation. He is buried next to Booker T. Washington on the Tuskegee University grounds.

His epitaph reads simply: “He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world.” A If you go: The museum is part of Tuskegee Institute National Historic Site. There is no admission charge.

For more information, check www.nps.gov/tuin/index.htm.

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Alabama Living

JULY 2014 25

Wildlife and the Outdoors

Wood Duck Box Installation and Maintenance

By Justin Brock, Wildlife Biologist, Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

Wood ducks are commonly seen on Alabama’s marshes, swamps and other wetland areas. This duck is perceived by many to be one of the most beautiful species in North America and is a favorite of waterfowl hunters. Fortunately for the residents of Alabama, the wood duck can also do something that most duck species do not – call Alabama home year-round. The wood duck is one of the few waterfowl species found throughout the year in Alabama. Because of this, Alabama landowners can have a greater impact on wood ducks 26 JULY 2014

than on other waterfowl species that may only spend the winter months in the area, or just simply pass through on their way south.

There are many factors to consider when managing a property for wood ducks. The ducks need an environment that provides the right amounts of food, cover and water to survive. However, the amount of quality nesting cavities is sometimes overlooked. In many areas, there are not adequate numbers of mature trees due to logging or other activities to provide natural nest cavities.

In such areas, the construction of wood duck boxes may be a needed management strategy.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service first used wood duck boxes in 1937.

Since that time, they have been used on numerous properties to increase local populations of wood ducks. Boxes should be placed in any habitat that has enough food and cover, but does not provide enough natural nesting cavities.

Once an area has been identified, the number of boxes needed and the location of each box must be determined. www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

Start small when first putting wood duck boxes in an area. Place only the number of boxes that can be maintained annually. The recommended number of boxes is one per acre of suitable habitat, with the boxes spaced at least 55 to 110 yards apart. Once 50-80 percent of these boxes are being used, more may be added if they can be maintained.

Opinions differ on how much to conceal the boxes. Research shows that boxes placed in areas that are more concealed with dense vegetation are less susceptible to becoming a dump nest (i.e., nests where multiple ducks lay eggs and cause the nest to be abandoned). However, nests located in open areas tend to be more productive, even though they

Alabama Living

may have a higher chance of becoming a dump nest. Therefore, it is recommended boxes be placed in open areas. Nest boxes should be observed to determine nest success.

Ideally, nest boxes should be placed over or very close to water.

However, they do not have to be over water if it makes them hard to maintain. Remember, the chances for predation as ducklings leave the nest increase the farther the boxes are located from the water.

Once a location is identified, the height of the box also must be considered. A height of at least 6 feet is recommended, but other factors such as water level fluctuations should be considered. Water levels can vary greatly throughout the year

in some locations. Nest boxes should be placed higher than the average annual high water events to avoid problems caused by fluctuating water levels. In many situations, such as along larger creeks and rivers, wood duck boxes may need to be placed up to 20 feet above normal water level to avoid problems.

One important tool to help enhance nesting success is the use of a predator guard. A predator guard should be installed below the box and, if mounted on a tree, all limbs or other debris allowing a predator access to the nest should be removed. The box and predator guard should be checked and maintained at least once a year. During the inspection, repair any damage to the box or predator guard. The inside of the boxes should be cleaned and three to four inches of new sawdust or wood shavings should be added.

Document the nest success of each box during the inspection. This can be particularly important information when deciding if more boxes are needed, and also provides general information on reproductive success in the area.

Erecting and maintaining wood duck boxes is an effective wildlife management practice for areas where natural nest cavities are limited. Utilizing the proper number of boxes that can be adequately maintained and monitored can provide years of enjoyment and add numerous broods of wood ducks to the population.

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through five divisions: Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. To learn more about ADCNR visit www.outdooralabama.com.

JULY 2014  27

Pages from the past

Down memory lane with Do you remember what you read in your Alabama Living in July 40 years ago? What about 30, 20, or even just 10 years ago?

Here’s a look back at what we were featuring on the covers during some of those hot summers of years past.

1974

Ft. Rucker Museum

Located at the United States Army Aviation Center at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, the U. S. Army Aviation Museum has one of the best collections of helicopters of any museum in the world. Thirty-nine rotary wing and 29 fixed wing aircraft range in size from one-man helicopters to the “Bataan,” “General M a c A r t h u r ’s A e r i a l Command Post during the Korean War.

1994

DirecTV: New technology brings the smaller satellite dish with more channels

This fall, anyone with a new low-cost, 18-inch satellite dish will have the clearest picture, sound and the most extensive choice ever in television history. New high-powered satellites built by GM Hughes Electronics along with small and easy-touse satellite receiving equipment made by RCA, reinforced with the rural expertise of the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, will allow television reception using a satellite dish about the size of a large pizza.

28 JULY 2014

1984

Eclipse: Alabama co-op lights the way for astronomers

Central Alabama EC found themselves in the middle of the line of travel for the “last eclipse of the century.”

About 60 members from the Birmingham Astronomical S ociet y began setting up their equipment around 9 a.m. that morning on the coop’s grounds. By 10 a.m., the society’s members were joined by various astronomers from states as far away as Illinois, Washington, St. Louis and Kentucky. Once the phenomenon finally appeared in everyone’s eyesight, one gazer described the eclipse’s halo as not a solid circle, but a “string of brilliant pearls.”

After the three to five minutes of the eclipse passed, telescopes, reflectors and cameras returned to car trunks and a delighted audience filed out of the co-op’s parking lot.

2004

Gentleman Farmer

Jimmie Harrison’s family has been operating a fruit and vegetable stand, Harrison’s Fruit Farm, on US Highway 82 in Chilton County for more than 50 years. It doesn’t rate a spot of ink on a highway map, but Harrison wouldn’t trade that little patch of land for anything. Peaches are the biggest draw, but Harrison also sells tomatoes, squash and other produce that will find its way into potluck suppers, Sunday dinners and barbecues. www.alabamaliving.coop

Around Alabama Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo Dauphin Island • July 18-20 The 81st Rodeo is a three-day event featuring 30 categories with prizes awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category.

Described as the largest fishing tournament in the world, it features more than 3,000 anglers and 75,000 spectators. Young Anglers Tournament tickets are $3 per angler, and the ADSFR Open Competition tickets are $40 per angler. There are an additional three Jackpot competitions. Check out the ADSFR website for official rules, ticket pick-up locations and prices: www. adsfr.com or call the Mobile Jaycee office at 251-471-0025.

JULY

3 • Chatom, Town of Chatom’s Independence Day Celebration at Chatom Community Center beginning at 5 p.m. Live music by Destiny, inflatable water slides, a trackless train, rides, and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Admission and all activities are free, $1 parking per vehicle.

Contact Fran Thornton, 251-6803075 or thorntonfran@yahoo.com.

3 & 4 • Grand Bay, Watermelon Festival. Odd Fellows Festival Park, Thursday 3-7 p.m. and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday. Children’s play area, arts and crafts, car show, family entertainment and food booths. $5 per vehicle admission on the 4th. Contact Monnie Tripp, 251-865-3456 or visit www. grandbaywatermelonfestival.org.

4 • Birmingham, Thunder on the Mountain 2014. Vulcan Park and Museum, 9 p.m. Admission is free.

For information, call 205-933-1409.

4 • Henagar, 31st Annual Sand Mountain Potato Festival. Celebrate our heritage with live music, arts and crafts, entertainment, games and fireworks. Event begins at

10 a.m. and culminates with a beautiful fireworks display.

Information: 256-657-6282.

11 & 12 • Andalusia, World Championship Domino Tournament at the Kiwanis Fair Complex.

Round robin tournaments Friday and Saturday afternoons. Contact Carolyn Davis, 334-222-5830 or worlddomino@gmail.com.

12 • Hanceville, Swamp John’s Fish Fry Fundraiser at the Dodge City Fire Department from 4-7 p.m.

We will be serving fish, chicken or shrimp with a drink, sides and dessert. Tickets are $10 weach, available at Dodge City Town Hall or from one of the firefighters.

18-20 • Huntsville, 2014 Alabama State Steel Tip Dart Tournament at the American Legion Post 176. Start time on Friday is 6:30 p.m., Saturday is 11 a.m., and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. for the adult/child event.

18-20 • Mentone, JULYFEST 2014 to be held at Mason Park.

Beginning Friday evening and continuing Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

This juried art show will display pottery, sculpture, wood, basketry, fiber, photography, jewelry, glass and various crafts. Local entertainment throughout the weekend. Visit www.mentonearts.org.

19 • Pine Ridge, Pine Ridge Cruise-In for Special People Car Show at Pine Ridge Camp. Registration

8 a.m.-1 p.m. $20 per car. Family friendly, kid activities, 50-50 drawing. Rain or shine event.

19 • Wetumpka, Wetumpka’s River and Blues Music and Arts Show, Riverwalk/Gold Star Park from 2-10 p.m. Twelve bands performing on two stages. Kids zone, art show, food and craft vendors. Free admission.

For information, call 334-567-5147 or visit www.riverandblues.net.

19-28 • Florence, W.C. Handy Music Festival at the Shoals. The 10-day festival features nearly 300 events showcasing music at locations throughout northwest Alabama, including parks, restaurants, stores, libraries, museums, art galleries, sidewalks, parking lots, and lawns.

It also features athletic events, plays, music classes, car shows, and much more. Visit W.C. Handy Music Festival on Facebook for information or www.wchandymusicfestival.com.

31-Aug. 3 • Union Springs, “Promises” at the Red Door Theatre.

Joseph, a 67-year-old man, sets out on a journey to fulfill a request made by his dying mother and

To place an event, e-mail events@alabamaliving.coop. or visit www.alabamaliving.coop. You can also mail to Events Calendar, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124; Each submission must include a contact name and phone number. Deadline is two months prior to issue date.

We regret that we cannot publish every event due to space limitations.

Alabama Living

comes to understand the truth of his own personal history. Written

by Alabama native Joel Williams.

Thursday-Saturday evening performances at 7:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. (reservations required).

Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m., play only. Tickets: play $15, dinner $15. Overnight accomodations available. Contact: 334-738-8687.

AUGUST

2 • Union Springs, Dog Days of Summer Music Festival held at Dreamfield Farms is an annual fundraiser for the local animal shelter. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Admission $10, concessions available. For information, email cmoorer723@yahoo.com.

2 • Orrville/Selma, Civil War Walking Tour of Old Cahawba. 10-11 a.m. The tour will visit Castle Morgan, the POW camp at Old Cahawba where more than 3,000 Union Army prisoners were held. Admission: $8. Contact Old Cahawba at 334872-8058 for more information.

5 • Mobile, Crime Prevention 5K Run. Race begins at 6:30 p.m. at Bienville Square. Proceeds benefit the Mobile Police Department.

Call Peggy Olive at 251-4018039 for more information.

Like Alabama Living on facebook Follow Alabama Living on Twitter @Alabama_Living JULY 2014 29

Alabama Outdoors

There’s more than red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico

By John N. Felsher

T

he federal government only allowed Alabama anglers to fish nine days in June for red snapper this year, but offshore enthusiasts can find much more to catch in the Gulf of Mexico.

Despite the smallest coastline on the Gulf, the waters off Alabama teem with a variety of fish because the state created an extensive network of artificial reefs. These artificial reefs create fishattracting habitat where once only a flat, mud bottom provided little structure.

“No doubt, snapper are really important fish for the Alabama coast, but we catch a lot more than just red snapper,” says Mike Thierry with Captain Mike’s Deep Sea Fishing in Dauphin Island.

“We always keep a cobia rod and a live bait ready in case we see a cobia. We also run into sharks quite often. We’ve caught some in the 400- to 500-pound range. In 2012, we caught and released three tiger sharks in one day.”

Besides red snapper during the very brief season, anglers off the Alabama coast may fill fish boxes with several other snapper species including lane, mangrove, vermilion, also called beeliner, and other snapper species, usually with far less restrictions. Mangroves frequently enter water less than 20 feet deep just off the coast. During the season, anglers fishing reefs might also catch triggerfish, amberjack and several grouper species.

“When not fishing for red snapper, we go for king mackerel, beeliner and mangrove snapper,” says Curtis Bush of Max Drag Charters in Orange Beach. “For beeliners, we use smaller hooks and smaller squid pieces than when fishing for red snapper. Beeliners are usually a bit farther out around natural bottoms. If we go out 30 miles, we might also catch grouper, scamp, maybe even tilefish.”

While bottom bouncing baits around reefs, set out a drift line.

Without adding extra weight, attach a bait chunk or live baitfish to a hook and toss it behind the boat. Stick the rod into a holder and engage the reel clicker so that it makes noise when something pulls the line. The bait hangs high in the water column, perhaps enticing passing king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sharks, cobia, barracuda

John N. Felsher is a professional freelance writer and photographer who lives in Semmes, Ala. He’s written more than 1,700 articles for more than 117 magazines. He co-hosts a weekly outdoors radio show. Contact him through his website at www.

JohnNFelsher.com.

Jeff Strane fights a big one while fishing in the Gulf of Mexico.

PHOTOS BY JOHN N. FELSHER

30 JULY 2014

www.alabamaliving.coop

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 31

and other predators. Depending upon the location, a drift line might even attract a sailfish, blackfin tuna, yellowfin tuna or wahoo.

“Frequently, we’ll throw out a drift line to target king mackerel and other fish,” says Bryan Daniels with Brian Daniels Guide Service in Orange Beach. “It’s not hard to catch 10 to 12 different species in one day, especially in the deeper water. In the summer, we don’t really target cobia, but we catch them as a bonus if one shows up.”

Highly mobile cobia roam the Gulf and can appear instantly anywhere and vanish just as quickly. Sometimes, cobia hit drift lines, but more often, these curious fish appear on the surface near the boat. After spotting a cobia, toss a bait beyond it and run it past its nose. If it doesn’t hit reactively, tease it. Every time it comes for the bait, snatch the temptation away until the cobia can no longer stand it and smashes the morsel.

Some anglers use balloon rigs to hold live bait at predetermined depths. Almost like using a bobber to fish for bluegills, tie a balloon to the line and release it so that it drifts with the current away from the boat.

Sometimes, anglers may set out several balloon rigs to fish at different depths with varied baits.

After leaving the reefs, many anglers troll an assortment of spoons, deep-running plugs, jigs, live baitfish or fresh bait to entice mackerel, cobia, wahoo, mahi, tuna and other species. Some anglers maximize their time by trolling when transitioning from one reef to another. Trolling can also reveal a secret honey hole.

Trolling with deep-running plugs or downriggers can put big grouper or amberjack into the boat.

“If I find a good rip or weed line, we’ll put out a trolling spread to see what’s there,” says Jason Domangue with Movin’ On Up Charters in Dauphin Island. “We might find some king mackerel or get lucky and catch a wahoo. We’ll also keep an eye out for tripletail, cobia or mahi.”

While trolling or moving from place to place, also watch for targets of opportunity. Cobia, mahi and tripletail, also called blackfish, frequently drift with floating debris or hang around channel buoys and cruise weed lines. Anglers might also see some diving birds that could indicate a school of predators chasing baitfish.

Despite stiff regulations and reduced limits for many species, anglers can still load a boat and enjoy a great day on the water if they remain flexible. Bring an assortment of rods and baits for any opportunity that may arise. The right “bonus” fish can turn an otherwise humdrum day into a memorable experience. A For more information on saltwater creel limits see www.outdooralabama.com/fishing/saltwater/regulations/limits.

Another tripletail comes to the boat in Mississippi Sound near Bayou La Batre, Ala.

This mangrove snapper hit a 6-inch Calcutta Flash Foil Swim Shad thrown on light tackle and 12-pound test line in the Gulf of Mexico.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Tables indicate peak fish and game feeding and migration times. Major periods can bracket the peak by an hour before and an hour after. Minor peaks, half-hour before and after. Adjusted for daylight savings time. a.m. p.m.

Minor Major Minor Major

JUL. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 AUG. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10:52 --12:52 01:52 02:52 03:52 04:37 --01:07 01:37 02:07 02:52 09:07 09:52 11:22 ---01:52 03:07 04:07 --01:22 02:07 08:37 09:37 10:52 ---01:22 02:37 03:37 04:37 05:07 --01:07 01:37 08:22 09:07 09:52 11:22

Alabama Living

05:22 06:37 07:52 08:52 09:52 10:37 11:07 11:52 05:07 05:52 06:22 07:07 07:37 08:22 03:22 04:07 05:07 06:22 07:52 08:52 09:52 10:37 11:22 05:07 06:07 06:52 07:37 02:52 03:37 04:37 05:37 06:52 08:22 09:22 10:07 10:52 11:22 11:52 05:52 06:22 07:07 07:37 02:07 02:52 03:22 04:22

04:37 12:52 06:37 08:37 09:52 10:52 11:37 12:07 07:22 07:52 08:07 08:37 08:52 09:22 09:52 03:37 04:07 01:37 03:52 08:52 10:07 11:07 11:52 07:07 07:37 08:07 08:37 09:07 03:22 03:52 12:37 03:37 08:52 10:07 10:52 11:22 11:52 12:22 07:07 07:22 07:37 08:07 02:22 02:37 03:07 03:52

11:22 12:07 03:22 04:52 05:37 06:07 06:37 07:07 12:22 12:52 01:22 01:52 02:07 02:37 03:07 10:07 10:52 11:37 12:37 04:52 05:22 06:07 06:37 12:07 12:52 01:37 02:07 02:52 09:37 10:22 10:52 11:52 04:52 05:22 05:52 06:07 06:22 06:37 12:22 12:52 01:22 01:52 08:22 08:52 09:07 09:37 JULY 2014 33

Alabama Recipes

Italian

Cook of the month: Rena Smith, Tallapoosa River EC Chicken Piccata 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts, butterflied and cut in half Flour for dredging Salt and pepper 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup chicken stock 1/4 cup brined capers, rinsed 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Salt and pepper each piece of chicken before dredging in flour. On medium heat fry the chicken in 4 tablespoons of butter and 6 tablespoons of oil, 3 minutes per side. Set fried chicken aside on a plate.

Add lemon juice, chicken stock, and capers to the pan of chicken drippings and bring to a boil. Return chicken to the pan and simmer 5 minutes. Place chicken on a platter. Add remaining butter to the sauce in the pan and whisk until butter is melted. Pour sauce over chicken. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Olive oil, pesto, tomatoes, basil, sauces, mozzarella, pasta; hungry yet? The simplicity and freshness of ingredients is the heart of Italian cuisine. There are hundreds of different shapes of pasta including penne, macaroni, spaghetti, linguini, fusilli, lasagna, and many more varieties which are filled with other ingredients like tortellini and ravioli. Purchase an authentic Parmesan cheese block or wedge and grate it yourself. Your tastebuds will thank you!

Mary Tyler Spivey is a graduate of Huntingdon College where she studied history and French but she also has a passion for great food.

Contact her at recipes@alabamaliving.coop.

You could win $50!

September October November

Upcoming recipe themes and deadlines are: “From Scratch” July 15 Wild game August 15 Thanksgiving September 15

Submit:

online at alabamaliving.coop email to recipes@alabamaliving.coop mail to Recipes, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL 36124 34 JULY 2014

Editor’s Note: Alabama Living’s recipes are submitted by our readers. They are not kitchen-tested by a professional cook or registered dietician. If you have special dietary needs, please check with your doctor or nutritionist before preparing any recipe.

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 35

Easy Tiramisu Pie 48 vanilla wafers, divided ¼ cup brewed strong coffee, cooled, divided (the stronger, the better) 4 ounces (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened

1½ cups cold milk 1 package (3.4 oz.) JELL-O french vanilla flavor instant pudding 1 8-ounce tub whipped topping, thawed 1 ounce baker’s semi-sweet chocolate, grated

Arrange 36 wafers on bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons coffee.

Beat cream cheese in large bowl with mixer until creamy. Gradually beat in milk. Add dry pudding mix; beat 1 minute. Gently stir in 2 cups whipped topping.

Layer half each of the pudding mixture and grated chocolate in crust; cover with remaining wafers.

Drizzle with remaining coffee. Repeat layers of pudding and chocolate. Top with remaining whipped topping. Refrigerate 3 hours.

Martha Black Handschumacher-Arab EC

Spaghetti Pie 8 ounces spaghetti 1 pound lean ground chuck ½ medium onion, chopped 1 jar spaghetti sauce 2 tablespoons oil

2 eggs, beaten ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded 1 16-ounce carton cottage cheese 1 package mozzarella cheese slices

Cook spaghetti and drain. Brown ground chuck with onion. Add the jar of spaghetti sauce and simmer.

Mix the cooked spaghetti with oil, eggs and Parmesan cheese. Spread the spaghetti mixture into a 13x9x2inch pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Then you will add the beef mixture and top with the cottage cheese. Put the mozzarella cheese slices on top of this mixture. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

Lasagna Soup 1 lb. ground beef ½ cup chopped onion 1 package lasagna Hamburger Helper dinner mix 5 cups water 1 14½-ounce can diced tomatoes (do not drain)

1 7-ounce can whole kernel corn (do not drain) 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese 1 small chopped zucchini (optional)

In a Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add contents of dinner sauce mix, water, tomatoes, corn and cheese; bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add lasagna noodles (you can break in half ) and zucchini. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until noodles are tender. Serve immediately. May sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese.

WM. J. Peyregne, Pea River EC

Slow Cooker Lasagna 1 pound ground beef 1 (12 ounce) oven ready lasagna noodles 1 onion, chopped 1 (16 ounce) cottage cheese small curd best 2 teaspoons minced garlic

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 15-ounce cans tomato sauce 16 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese 1 6-ounce tomato paste 1 ½ teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon dried oregano

In skillet brown meat with onion and garlic. Add tomato sauce, paste, salt and oregano stir until mixed and heated through. In a large bowl combine cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Spray crockpot with cooking spray for easier cleanup. Spoon a portion of meat mixture onto the bottom of cooker. Add a double layer of uncooked lasagna noodles (might have to break them to fit). Top the noodles with a portion of cheese mixture. Repeat layering of sauce, noodles and cheese. I top it with italian seasoning or parsley for color. Cook on high for 3½ hours in my cooker.

All cookers are different, so first time might want to watch closely.

Michelle Hicks, Clarke-Washington EMC

Cindy Garrett, Marshall DeKalb EC 36 JULY 2014

Want to see recipes, feature stories, and other Alabama happenings during the month? LIke Alabama Living on facebook and don’t miss anything!

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Southern Occasions CO O K B O O K

Italian “Meat” Balls 1 stack Ritz® or HiHo® crackers, crumbled 1 cup pecan meal 3 eggs beaten 2 tablespoons water

1 chopped onion 1 minced clove garlic 1 tablespoon dried parsley 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Southern Occasions

CO O K B O O K

Mix all ingredients and form into walnut-size balls. Bake on an oiled cookie sheet for 20-25 minutes at 350 degrees, or until firm to touch.

Can be frozen at this point and used when desired. Simmer in tomato sauce, gravy, soup or sweet and sour sauce for about 1 hour and serve over rice or noodles.

Bertha Kerby, Sand Mountain EC Alabama Living

JULY 2014 37

How To Place a Line Ad in Marketplace

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38 JULY 2014

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Closing Deadlines (in our office:

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September 2014 – July 25 October 2014 – August 25 November 2014 – September 25

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Ads are $1.75 per word with a 10 word minimum and are on a prepaid basis; Telephone numbers, email addresses and websites are considered 1 word each.

Ads will not be taken over the phone. You may email your ad to hdutton@areapower.com; or call (800)410-2737 ask for Heather for pricing.; We accept checks, money orders and all major credit cards.

Mail ad submission along with a check or money order made payable to ALABAMA LIVING, P.O. Box 244014, Montgomery, AL 36124 – Attn: Classifieds.

Education BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER correspondence study. Founded in 1988. Free info.

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Alabama Living

JULY 2014 39

Safe @ Home

Pool safety: Chemicals can be hazardous to your health

P

ool chemicals. Though “chemicals” is part of the name, you may not realize the extreme danger that comes with improper use of these products. Each year thousands of people receive emergency care following injuries from interactions with these chemicals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of these injuries in the United States is around 5,000 per year, with most occurring in the summer swim months.

Children are the most widely injured. Respiratory problems are the leading cause of injury, as pool operators or those in the water breathe in fumes, followed by eye and skin injuries.

Chemicals are added to pool water to improve water quality and prevent disease-causing germs from spreading. Chemicals like chlorine and bromine are added to the water to kill these germs, which they do within minutes.

The CDC has developed posters on pool chemical safety that can be downloaded or ordered free of charge at www.cdc.gov/ healthywater/swimming/resources/posters.html. For more in-

To prevent pool-related chemical injuries, the CDC recommends that pool owners > follow these tips:

formation on pool chemical handling and storage, www.cdc. gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/preventing-pool-chemicalinjuries.html.

As for good swimming hygiene, swimmers can stay safe by not swimming when ill with diarrhea or by swallowing pool water. The CDC also recommends that swimmers consider taking a pre-swim shower to remove sweat and other potential contaminants to the chlorine, such as urine.

I hope you all enjoy the swim season and keep best practices in mind when maintaining your pool. A

> > > >

Michael Kelley is senior manager of Safety & Loss Control for the Alabama Rural Electric Association.

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40 JULY 2014

Read and follow directions on product labels.

Wear appropriate safety equipment, such as goggles and masks, as directed, when handling pool chemicals.

Secure pool chemicals to protect people and animals.

Keep young children away when handling chemicals.

Never mix different pool chemicals with each other, especially chlorine products with acid.

Pre-dissolve pool chemicals only when directed by product label.

Add pool chemical to water, never water to pool chemicals.

Children and animals should be kept away from pool chemicals. Pool owners should also refrain from smoking when handling chemicals. Hands should always be washed after handling these substances as well.

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Ten Reasons to Advertise in Alabama’s LARGEST Consumer Publication:

98 97 85 67

59 48 39

Source: GFK MRI survey, March 2013

36 22 1

percent of Alabama Living’s audience is over 25 years old. percent of our readers say they trust the advertising in our publication over any other source. percent of our readers read 4 out of the last 4 issues they’ve received. counties in Alabama receive our magazine monthly. percent believe our advertisements provide them with useful information about new products and services.

U.S. states have subscriptions to Alabama Living. the average minutes our readers spend reading each issue of Alabama Living. percent have bought, ordered, recommended and/or requested a product, service or catalog as a result of reading Alabama Living.

Alabama electric cooperatives working together. publication doing it right for more than 60 YEARS. Reach more than 400,000 homes and businesses every month. E-mail:

advertising@areapower.com

TOGETHER WE SAVE Save Energy, Save Money

Summer Energy Efficiency: Myth vs. Fact •

Myth: When I’m not home, keeping my air conditioner at a lower temperature throughout the day means it doesn’t have to run harder to cool my home when I return.

•

Fact: Time of day does matter when running electrical loads. For example, take advantage of the delay setting and run your dishwasher at night to avoid peak times of use and save energy.

Fact: To save energy, set your thermostat to a higher temperature during the day, and lower it when you return home.

•

Myth: Closing vents on my central air conditioning system will boost efficiency.

Fact: Closing vents can cause the compressor to cycle too frequently and the heat pump to overload. You’ll also use more energy.

Myth: Time of day doesn’t matter when it comes to running my appliances.

•

Myth: Bigger is always better when it comes to cooling equipment.

Fact: Too often, cooling equipment isn’t sized properly and leads to higher electric bills. A unit that’s too large for your home will not cool evenly and might produce higher humidity indoors. A

Keep Your CFLs from burning out too soon

I

f you’ve noticed that your CFLs are burning out too soon, it could be that you’re buying the wrong kind. Normal CFLs aren’t designed for use with dimmers. And they don’t last as long if you use them in enclosed areas or where there’s excessive heat or fluctuations in power. Here are some tips: •

Before you buy a bulb for a dimmer or another special use, check its label to learn if it’s made for that. Some CFLs work in dimmers, motion sensors or three-way sockets. But not all of them do.

•

Buy the right size bulb for the fixture. Using a larger bulb or one that burns brighter than recommended for a lamp or ceiling fixture can cause the bulb to overheat and burn out prematurely.

•

Avoid placing CFLs in enclosed indoor fixtures. The lack of air circulation and increased heat can reduce its life.

•

Choose a special, more-durable CFL for use in an overhead fan light, which can vibrate and disturb the bulb.

•

If you’re using CFLs outdoors, find bulbs designed for exterior use, and check the package to learn if the bulbs can withstand cold temperatures.

Placing them in protected fixtures.

•

Turning a CFL on and off frequently can shorten its life. Try to leave the CFL on for at least 15 minutes at a time.

With normal use, CFLs typically last for 10,000 hours--13 times longer than an incandescent bulb. A 42 JULY 2014

Don't Let Your Pool Drown Your Budget

Y

our swimming pool doesn’t have to be a drain on your electric bill. Simply covering it will go a long way to reducing evaporation, which will cut back on refilling and reheating.

Also, consider investing in a high-efficiency or multi-speed pool pump when it’s time for a replacement—they cost more but save a lot more energy than older models. A

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Co-op Connections Businesses of the Month Baldwin Heating and Air

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Don't forget about the Co-op Connections pharmacy discounts, which can save you money on prescription medications.

If you're a Baldwin EMC member and you don't have a Co-op Connections Card, please call (251) 989-6247. Co-op Connections is a free benefit program for Baldwin EMC members.

For a list of all Co-op Connections discount offers, go to www.baldwinemc.com.

Bedtime stories are so much better at bedtime.

(re)member The Power of Your Co-op Membership

www.baldwinemc.com Baldwin EMC member Margie and daughter Harper

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 43

Our Sources Say

Hollow World

I

saw “Apocalypse Now” in 1979. I still remember how troubled and exhausted I was when it ended. The sheer violence and gore were horrific and sickening. But the pathology of the characters was deeply disturbing. The most memorable scene for me was Robert Duvall’s Col. Bill Kilgore telling Martin Sheen’s Captain Willard, “I love the smell of napalm in the morning,” as American planes carpet-bombed an enemy outpost in the background.

I assumed “Apocalypse Now” was merely Francis Ford Coppola’s statement against the madness of the Vietnam War. However, I recently read in an issue of Ben Hunt’s Epsilon Theory (and confirmed by Wikipedia) that it is based on Joseph Conrad’s 1914 novella, Heart of Darkness, set around Africa’s ivory trade.

They share a darkness and a central character, Col. Kurtz.

The plot of “Apocalypse Now” is Willard’s mission into Cambodia to assassinate Marlon Brando’s Kurtz, who had gone rogue, abandoned his command, established his own empire and was administering his own brand of justice over friend and foe, all to the embarrassment of the U.S. Army. Willard suffers from his own set of demons but is desperate for a mission to define himself and sets out to assassinate Kurtz. That leads to Coppola’s litany of violence, death, emptiness, hopelessness and madness that was the Vietnam War. Through their experiences, both Kurtz and Willard see clearly through the façade of the Vietnam experience. They realize it has no underlying reason or purpose. They both fully appreciate their own role in the war and come to know the heart of darkness and horror that was Vietnam in their own ways. But they react differently – Willard sticking with his mission and Kurtz abandoning his.

There is emptiness and madness today, but the methods are different. Almost everyone – whether they are in medicine, finance, technology, banking, government or energy – express similar complaints of the futility of their mission because of regulations or inequities invoked by public officials. Honesty, integrity and transparency have always been in short supply, but events and façades erected since the Great Recession have made it more acceptable to intentionally mislead and alter facts, if not just outright lie.

Gary Smith is President and CEO of PowerSouth Energy Cooperative

44 JULY 2014

There is style but no substance, and leaders with words but no values. Lies are offered without conscience, regulation without reason and politics without policy. The ends, so long as they are mine, justify any means, regardless of the cost. Mass mediaspinned campaigns have replaced the truth. Leaders hold themselves above the law and regulation that governs the masses.

We are encouraged to shirk our responsibilities and expect our neighbors or the government to pay our debts. We are taught that we are entitled to what others have earned. We are stripped of our dignity, our character, our honor and, more importantly, our self-worth. That is the hollow world we live in – a world not so different from Kurtz’s and Willard’s.

The situation is cast in a line from “Apocalypse Now” when Kurtz and Willard first meet. Kurtz asks Willard why the Army wants to terminate his command: Willard: They told me you had gone totally insane and that your methods were unsound.

Kurtz: Are my methods unsound?

Willard: I don’t see any method at all, sir.

Kurtz: I expected someone like you. What did you expect?

Are you an assassin?

Willard: I’m a soldier.

Kurtz: You’re neither. You’re an errand boy, sent by grocery clerks to collect a debt.

We are still led and governed by grocery clerks anxious to collect their debts, impart their rules and impose their values regardless of the cost. There are at times no methods, just agendas.

Joseph Conrad wrote in Heart of Darkness, “It is my belief that no man ever understands quite his own artful dodges to escape from the grim shadow of self-knowledge. The question is not how to get cured, but how to live.” It is a hollow world, and it appears, at times, overwhelmingly hollow. There is little we can do to cure it. But it is important we understand it, come to terms with it, influence its direction the best we can, and learn how to live with it. Will we respond by staying with our mission like Willard or abandoning it and going rogue like Kurtz?

I will end by quoting T.S. Elliot’s The Hollow Men, a commentary on the Heart of Darkness, “This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but a whimper.”

I hope you have a good month. A This article draws heavily on Ben Hunt’s Epsilon Theory as reprinted by John Mauldin in his April 2, 2014 newsletter, but the conclusions are mine.

www.alabamaliving.coop

Market Place

Alabama Living

JULY 2014 45

Alabama Snapshots 2

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Patriotism Submit Your Images!

SEPTEMBER THEME:

“My invention”

SUBMIT PHOTOS THROUGH OUR WEBSITE: alabamaliving.coop/submit-photo/ OR SEND COLOR PHOTOS WITH A LARGE SELFADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE TO:

Photos, Alabama Living, P.O. Box 244014 Montgomery, AL, 36124 RULES: Alabama Living will pay $10 for photos that best match our theme of the month. Photos may also be published on our website at www. alabamaliving.coop. Alabama Living is not responsible for lost or damaged photos.

DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER: July 31

46 JULY 2014

1. Photo of my grandpa’s flag and barn on the day of his funeral.

He was a retired lineman from Cullman County and served in the Army SUBMITTED BY Jill Roy, Arab 2. Making sure new flag was put up just before leaving for 2nd deployment to Afghanistan.

Pictured are Sgt. James Griffin, wife Vickie and dog Luke SUBMITTED BY Rhonda Self, Hamilton 3. Lt. Thurston Bullock and son Jon Will Bullock salute the flag SUBMITTED BY Sharon Ivey, Arab

4. Olivia Cole celebrating the 4th of July in Orange Beach SUBMITTED

BY Jeannie Bennett Cole, Hampton Cove 5. Stephen and Stirling Hamilton of Greenville enjoying their favorite holiday, July 4th SUBMITTED

BY Jennie Hamilton, Greenville 6. Isaac Graves at the Cullman County Fair Parade in 2011 SUBMITTED BY April Graves, Hanceville

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CALL FOR ENTRIES

8

Alabama Rural Electric Association’s

th

Quilt Competition Our theme is: What put us on the map?

Design your quilt square around the idea of what your local co-op area is known for. We need all co-ops represented!

Mail, E-mail or Fax form below for your entry package. Deadline to submit quilt square is December 31, 2014 Name: ________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ City, State Zip: __________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________________________ Cooperative: ___________________________________________ (The electric cooperative name on front of this Alabama Living.)

Mail to: AREA 340 TechnaCenter Drive Montgomery, AL 36117 or Phone: 334-215-2732 Fax: 334-215-2733 E-mail: lpartin@areapower.com